The International Olympic Committee is seeking a two-week suspension of Russia's anti-gay propaganda law because it violates the Olympic Charter's ban on discrimination.

The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

"They have accepted the words of the Olympic Charter and the host city contract, so either they respect it or we have to say goodbye to them," said Gerhard Heiberg, an IOC member from Norway. He also said the IOC should not interfere with domestic Russian politics but must be firm on what happens during the Sochi games.

"Suspending these laws in Sochi for two weeks won't help ordinary gay men and lesbians in the rest of Russia once the Olympics leaves town. The IOC is saying, in essence, that it is willing to work with a fascist government as long as international visitors are protected. This is a profoundly immoral position."